My husband and I just bought our third leather set. I rescue Italian Greyhounds, who can be cat like. I would not buy a "leather match" or "bonded leather" (the new term for NOT REAL) because vinyl is not as tough as leather. Once it is sliced open, it's all over. Quality leather can take the scratching better. And if it does tear accidentally, it will not rip wide open like torn vinyl, allowing you to repair it.
Our leather is full of little scratches, but a little leather conditioner and it looks great. I fear that vinyl would not hold up nearly as well.